Deguforum - Issue 89

Magazine Overview

DEGUFORUM, Issue No. 89, the Autumn 2016 edition of the 23rd year of publication, is the official journal of the German-speaking Society for UFO Research (DEGUFO e.V.). Priced at 5.00 EUR in Germany and 7.50 EUR in the EU, this issue delves into historical UFO phenomena, particularly the 'Greek Ghost Rockets' of 1946, and explores contemporary UFO research and related fields.

Editorial and Archival News

The editorial, penned by Marius Kettmann, reflects on an interesting year for German UFO research in 2016. It highlights the growing momentum of the 'Kooperationsinitiative UFO-Forschung' (Cooperation Initiative UFO Research) and announces plans for their first joint conference in 2017, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's seminal 1947 sighting. The editorial also details the expansion of the DEGUFO archive, now named 'Archiv für Fachveröffentlichungen zu ungewöhnlichen Himmelsphänomenen und Grenzwissenschaften' (Archive for Professional Publications on Unusual Celestial Phenomena and Fringe Sciences), which has received a significant influx of materials from the dissolved 'Generationenbibliothek'.

Feature Article: The Greek Ghost Rockets of 1946

The main feature, written by Thanassis Vembos and translated by Marius Kettmann, investigates the 'Ghost Rockets' phenomenon in Greece during 1946. While the wave of sightings over Scandinavia is well-documented, Vembos presents evidence suggesting a parallel phenomenon occurred in Greece. He draws upon contemporary Greek newspapers, including 'Akropolis' and 'Embros', to reconstruct events. The article notes that on September 5, 1946, Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Tsaldaris publicly acknowledged sightings of 'flying rockets' over Northern Greece. The reports detail multiple sightings on September 1, 1946, across various regions like Stavroupoli, Kastoria, Serres, and Drama, observed by both Greek and British officials. The objects were described as having bright lights and leaving smoke trails. The article discusses the geopolitical context of the time, including tensions with neighboring communist countries and a significant British military presence. It also touches upon the possibility of these being advanced weapons or psychological warfare tactics. The investigation into the origin of these rockets was reportedly initiated by the Greek army. The article also references the work of UFO historians Loren Gross and Timothy Good, and mentions Paul Santorinis, a scientist who investigated the phenomenon and later spoke about the secrecy surrounding the investigations, suggesting the possibility of advanced, possibly extraterrestrial, technology.

Other Articles and Features

• 20 Years of DEGUFO: Christian Czech, the DEGUFO's chief case investigator, presents notable cases from the organization's two decades of existence.
• Abduction Research: Jens Waldeck continues his series on abduction research, presenting the 16th part focusing on practical research methods.
• Book Reviews: The issue includes reviews of two books: 'UFOs' by Leslie Kean, which compiles well-documented UFO incidents and expert testimonies, and 'Die fremde Dimension' by Roland Roth, exploring various unexplained phenomena and mysteries.

Interview: Dr. Dr. Walter von Lucadou

An interview with parapsychologist Dr. Dr. Walter von Lucadou, conducted by Marius Kettmann, explores the intersection of UFO research and parapsychology. Von Lucadou, a respected figure in parapsychology, shares his journey into the field, inspired by Hans Bender. He discusses his view that 'Fortean' researchers, like botanists, collect strange phenomena for future study. He also touches upon his theories regarding the universe's origins and the role of consciousness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes historical UFO research, particularly the detailed examination of the 1946 Greek 'Ghost Rockets' using contemporary newspaper sources. It highlights the importance of archival work and the DEGUFO's role in preserving such information. The magazine also promotes collaboration within the UFO research community through the 'Kooperationsinitiative UFO-Forschung' and its upcoming conference. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, evidence-based investigation, acknowledging the complexities and potential for misinterpretation of phenomena, while remaining open to the possibility of advanced or unknown technologies and even extraterrestrial origins, as suggested by the discussion with Dr. von Lucadou and the historical case studies.

This issue of DEGUFO, titled 'Die besten Fälle!' (The Best Cases!), delves into UFO phenomena and related research, with a significant focus on the work of parapsychologist Walter von Lucadou. The magazine presents a collection of UFO sightings and discusses the scientific and psychological aspects of these encounters, as well as the challenges and methodologies involved in researching such phenomena.

Walter von Lucadou and Parapsychology

The issue highlights Walter von Lucadou's contributions to parapsychology. His Parapsychological Consulting Center in Freiburg aims to provide a serious engagement with UFO phenomena and related anxieties, rather than mere dismissal. The center refers witnesses to the German Cooperation Initiative for UFO Research for deeper analysis. Von Lucadou notes that while the term 'UFO' is neutral, many scientists are uncomfortable with anomalies, leading to their suppression. He emphasizes that even after expert review, about 6% of cases remain unexplained, making the topic scientifically important.

Von Lucadou's work is influenced by figures like Hans Bender and Hans Driesch. He sees the study of UFO sightings as part of a broader parapsychological framework. He suggests focusing on 'UFO Hot-Spots' for measurable data, citing the Hessdalen lights as an example of phenomena that have garnered interest beyond UFO circles.

UFO Cases from the 1990s

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to detailing specific UFO sightings, primarily from the 1990s. These include:

• Neubrandenburg, 1997: A bright, silent object observed during the Hale-Bopp comet sighting.
• Leun, 1997: Three 'stars' that approached and departed, appearing as a triangle that changed size.
• Germany (general), 1997: 'Stars' that appeared to be playing, circling each other at high speed.
• Radevormwald, 1997: An object that changed shape, surrounded by black points.
• Austria, 1997: An extremely bright light that raced across the sky.
• Augsburg, 1997: A flying cone observed hovering and then moving away.
• Switzerland, 1997: A bright object that hovered, moved erratically, and then accelerated away.
• Tenerife, 1998: An orange oval object observed flying silently.
• Mindelheim, 1998: A ringing, star-like object that stopped abruptly and then flew away at high speed.
• Ostfriesland, 1999: Three lights in a triangular formation, pursued by an aircraft.
• Luxembourg, 1999: A falling star-like object that appeared and disappeared multiple times.
• Berlin, 1999: A bright, rotating rectangular object with internal details and flashing corner lights.
• Lanzarote, 1999: A stationary star that suddenly moved at high speed.
• Bochum, 1999: A silent, boomerang-shaped object with a matte glow.
• München, 2000: A fast-moving object that abruptly changed direction.

Abduction Research and Methodology

Jens Waldeck's article 'Abduktionsforschung - Entführungserfahrungen' (Abduction Research - Entrapment Experiences) explores the challenges and methodologies of studying abduction phenomena. He references Stephen Hawking's concept of 'model-dependent realism' and emphasizes the importance of observation and theory development in scientific work.

Waldeck discusses the difficulties in studying abduction, including the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential for 'phänopraxis' (experiential observation). He highlights the importance of scientific humility ('I know that I know nothing') and the value of self-experience.

He touches upon the concept of ' Rückbestimmung' (retroactive determination) as a way to understand the process of scientific inquiry. The article also warns against the misuse of hypnosis, the creation of false memories, and the influence of unqualified personnel.

CE-5 Initiatives and Contact

The magazine details various CE-5 (Close Encounter of the Fifth Kind) initiatives, which focus on establishing cooperative and peaceful communication with extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). These initiatives emphasize mutual respect and universal principles of exchange. Several Facebook groups dedicated to CE-5 in Germany are listed, along with a general CE-5 Initiative page.

The CE-5 concept is defined as a fifth category of encounter, distinct from passive or reactive types, characterized by conscious, voluntary human-initiated contact. Evidence suggests past successful CE-5 contacts, and the initiative aims to foster a cooperative relationship between humans and ETI.

Research Challenges and Future Directions

The issue touches upon the difficulties of scientific research in this field, including the need to bridge the gap between natural sciences and humanities, and the avoidance of dogmatic approaches. The concept of the 'maximal Fremde' (maximal stranger) is introduced as a starting point for abduction research.

It is noted that research into abduction phenomena is often viewed with skepticism, sometimes relegated to clinical psychology. However, advancements in sociology are improving the conditions for research in this area.

The article also mentions the book 'Leben in zwei Welten' (Life in Two Worlds) by André Kramer, which deals with the psychosocial consequences of UFO abduction experiences.

Organizations and Resources

Several organizations and resources are mentioned, including:

• DEGUFO: The organization publishing the magazine, focused on UFO research.
• Parapsychologische Beratungsstelle Freiburg: A consulting center for parapsychological phenomena.
• Deutsche Kooperationsinitiative für UFO-Forschung: An initiative for UFO research.
• abduction.de: A support network for abduction experiences.
• FREE (Fundamental Research and Education): A non-profit research organization investigating consciousness, UFO-related contact experiences, and paranormal activity.
• CE-5 Initiatives: Various groups promoting direct contact with ETI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the scientific and psychological investigation of anomalous phenomena, and the exploration of human-ETI interaction. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded scientific inquiry, encouraging rigorous research into unexplained events while acknowledging the psychological and societal implications. There is a clear emphasis on evidence-based investigation and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding complex phenomena like UFOs and abductions.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, titled "DEGUFORUM, Nr. 89," is a German-language publication focusing on UFO research, paranormal phenomena, and related archival efforts. The issue features articles and reports on the Foundation for Experiencer Research and Education (FREE), the DEGUFO archive, a UFO research conference, and a book review.

Foundation for Experiencer Research and Education (FREE)

The magazine introduces FREE's mission to initiate scientific investigation into UFO-related contact experiences. The research will involve surveys and interviews with individuals who have had such experiences, comparing them with those who have had other types of paranormal contact experiences, including Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs), hypnotic regression, and more. The study aims to understand the interconnectedness of these phenomena through consciousness and advanced physics, particularly the Quantum Hologram Theory. Dr. Jon Klimo, a retired professor of Parapsychology, chairs the research study, bringing extensive experience in research methodology. The FREE board, including Dr. Rudy Schild and the late Dr. Edgar Mitchell, hypothesizes that these diverse paranormal experiences are linked by consciousness, supporting the Post-Materialist Paradigm.

FREE's data collection relies on "explicit memory" (conscious recollection) rather than information from hypnotic regression or lucid dreaming. They are utilizing Survey Monkey for data collection and plan to conduct the study in multiple languages to reach a global audience. The research methodology is designed to be comprehensive, involving surveys, written submissions, and one-on-one interviews for high-profile cases, ensuring anonymity for participants.

FREE also addresses the historical omission of UFO-related contact in the field of parapsychology, noting that while NDEs and PSI phenomena are now more accepted, UFO contact remains a taboo subject. Previous research in this area is criticized for having small sample sizes and focusing primarily on "abductions," thus excluding the majority of contact experiences.

DEGUFO Archive

The issue details the "Archiv für Fachveröffentlichungen zu ungewöhnlichen Himmelsphänomenen und Grenzwissenschaften" (Archive for Professional Publications on Unusual Celestial Phenomena and Borderline Sciences), formerly the DEGUFO archive. Established to unite archives and preserve research for the future, it was renamed in 2016. The archive moved from Xanten to Holzminen in 2015. Christian Czech is highlighted as the initiator and operator, with extensive involvement in UFO research and archiving. The archive has grown significantly, incorporating materials from the former DEGUFO archive and the "Generationenbibliothek" (Generations Library). It contains worldwide UFO sightings, questionnaires, witness testimonies, and documents from governmental, intelligence, and military sources. In October 2016, the archive expanded further, receiving numerous journals and books on borderline sciences from the Generations Library. The archive is described as one of the largest of its kind in Germany, holding international UFO files, questionnaires, and testimonies. Members of the German Cooperation Initiative UFO Research can visit the archive by appointment.

UFO Research Conference

The magazine announces the first joint conference of the "DEUTSCHEN KOOPERATIONSINITIATIVE-UFO-FORSCHUNG" (German Cooperation Initiative UFO Research), scheduled for Saturday, June 24, 2017, with an evening reception on Friday, June 23, 2017. The conference program includes presentations on various UFO-related topics, such as "Überwachter Luftraum und UFOs" (Monitored Airspace and UFOs) by Jörg Kiefer, "UFO-Forschung in Frankreich" (UFO Research in France) by Christian Morgenthaler, and "Leben in zwei Welten - über die psychosozialen Folgen so genannter UFO-Entführungserlebnisse" (Life in Two Worlds - on the psychosocial consequences of so-called UFO abduction experiences) by André Kramer. Other topics include the Hessdalen phenomenon, the Greifswald Lights (Germany's most famous UAP case), and the Malstrom incident of 1967. The event aims to foster discussion and collaboration among researchers.

Book Review: "UFOs" by Leslie Kean

The issue includes a review of Leslie Kean's book "UFOs: Generäle, Piloten und Regierungsvertreter brechen ihr Schweigen" (UFOs: Generals, Pilots, and Government Representatives Break Their Silence). The reviewer, Marius Kettmann, praises the book for compiling numerous UFO incidents with credible witnesses, including military personnel and aviation experts. The review highlights contributions from individuals like Wilfried De Brouwer, Richard Haines, Parwis Dschafari, and numerous pilots and former government officials. The book is recommended as a comprehensive collection of convincing UFO cases documented by reliable sources, combining investigative journalism with firsthand accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO-related contact experiences, the importance of consciousness in understanding paranormal phenomena, and the critical role of archiving and disseminating research in the field of ufology. The publication advocates for a multidisciplinary and international approach to UFO research, moving beyond the traditional focus on "abductions" to encompass a broader spectrum of contact experiences. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous methodology, data collection, and the integration of findings from advanced physics and transpersonal psychology. The editorial stance supports open discussion and critical examination of UFO phenomena, aiming to destigmatize the topic and advance scientific understanding.

This issue of DEGUFORUM, identified as issue number 89, features a review of Roland Roth's book "Die fremde Dimension" by Marius Kettmann. The magazine is published by Ancient Mail Verlag in Germany and is in German. The review highlights Roth's exploration of diverse and often bizarre mysteries, from shapeshifters and doppelgängers to Austrian folklore and cosmic phenomena.

Book Review: "Die fremde Dimension" by Roland Roth

The review by Marius Kettmann introduces Roland Roth as a well-known figure in Germany's ufology and mystery circles since the late 1990s, recognized as the editor of Q'Phaze Magazine and author of several books. Roth's latest work, "Die fremde Dimension," is described as a collection of enigmatic topics presented without necessarily linking them, following a Fortean approach. The book is structured into three parts.

Part 1: "Die fremde Dimension"

This section, which gives the book its title, focuses on particularly unusual themes that the reviewer found most engaging. Unlike typical compilations that repeat familiar stories, Roth presents less common topics. Examples include shapeshifters, specifically 'Stickmen,' a theme more prevalent online than in books, and reports on the Aswang from Philippine mythology, which are likely new to most readers. The author's personal account of encountering his own 'doppelgänger' adds a unique, personal touch to this section.

Part 2: Mysteries from Austria

This part delves into riddles and mysteries specific to Austria. While not covering major topics like the Untersberg, it explores subjects such as 'Cart Ruts' in Austria, Lindwürmer (dragons/serpents), dwarf legends, and 'Erdställe' (earth stalls) and menhirs. The reviewer notes that many of these topics might be surprising even for regular readers of mystery literature. A key strength highlighted is that Roth personally visited the locations he describes, avoiding the common pitfall of relying solely on desk research and providing firsthand experiences.

Part 3: Cosmic Riddles

This final section addresses broader, cosmic mysteries, including UFO sightings on the moon. It also features a chapter on signals intercepted by SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) that proved to be puzzling, going beyond the well-known 'WOW!' signal. Roth explores the 'Zoo Hypothesis' to explain the lack of direct contact between potential extraterrestrial visitors and humanity. The review also touches upon the Panspermia theory, discussing the resilience of life in extreme environments and posing the question: "Does life always find a way?" The Tunguska event is also mentioned in this section.

The book concludes with a literature and source index, offering readers guidance for further reading on the discussed topics.

Overall, the reviewer finds "Die fremde Dimension" to be an entertaining read, covering a wide array of mysteries with less-known cases, enhanced by Roth's on-site research and fluid, engaging writing style, promising several surprises for the reader.

• Book Details:
• Title: Die fremde Dimension. Begegnungen mit dem Unfassbaren und anderen Realitäten.
• Author: Roland Roth
• Publisher: Ancient Mail Verlag, Groß Gerau
• Year: 2015
• Format: Softcover, Taschenbuch
• Pages: 224
• Illustrations: 40
• ISBN: 978-3-95652-116-4
• Price: 17,80 EUR (incl. VAT)

Further information and ordering details are available via a provided e-shop link.

Magazine Future and Content

The second page of the magazine discusses the future of DEGUFORUM. The publication announces that starting with the next issue, it will transition from a monthly magazine to an annual yearbook. This yearbook will consolidate research findings, global investigations, and the latest literature into a book format. The magazine expresses pride in its history since 1994 and encourages readers to follow them into this new phase.

It also previews content from the upcoming issue, including a review of past UFO incidents by Chief Investigator Christian Czech, who has re-examined the most spectacular UFO cases reported to the organization. The magazine also highlights a collaboration with other groups and a desire for joint projects.

The magazine also features a section on UFO waves, noting the cyclical nature of the phenomenon. It references Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, the 1952 UFO wave in the USA that caused panic in Washington, the 1989 wave in Belgium involving military cooperation, and a 1954 wave in Europe (France and Greece) characterized by humanoid sightings. The latter is presented as a topic researched by Greek UFO researcher Thannasis Vembos, appearing in German for the first time.

Reader Engagement and Information

Finally, the magazine includes a section encouraging reader interaction and support. It prompts readers to consider the DEGUFORUM archive, attend conferences, connect with like-minded individuals, report UFO sightings, provide feedback, stay updated with news, support research through donations or collaboration, and purchase literature. It directs readers to the website www.degufo.de for more information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and other mysteries, with a focus on detailed research and personal accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, encouraging reader participation and providing a platform for disseminating research and literature within the German-speaking community. The transition to a yearbook format suggests a commitment to in-depth coverage and archival value.